FACTORS INFLUENCING HOUSEHOLD SALVATION (5)

• If ever there was a dysfunctional family, it was that of the patriarch Jacob. Yet, out of those twelve sons arose the twelve tribes of Israel—and from them, the powerful nation that still exists today. This truth assures us that, in the hands of Almighty God, even dysfunctional families can be redeemed and transformed into vessels of purpose. What seems broken can be made whole; what seems hopeless can become a testimony. From strong families, strong nations are birthed (Genesis 49:8-12).

• Do not assume that the blessings pronounced upon Judah by his father Jacob were solely due to favouritism. Judah, like his brothers Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, had his own faults and failures. In fact, it was Judah who suggested selling Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:23-28).

• Judah also exchanged his sceptre—the signet of authority of his family—for a fleeting moment of cheap pleasure (Genesis 38:1-30). This fall serves as a sober reminder of the danger of isolation. Judah departed from his brothers, and in that separation, he stumbled. This is why Scripture strongly admonishes us not to forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is” (Hebrews 10:24-25). There is safety, strength, and accountability in fellowship. When we disconnect from our brethren, we expose ourselves to temptation and compromise.

• Don’t fool or deceive yourself—isolation kills. That is why the Bible declares that “two are better than one” for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Every blunder that be fell Judah—particularly the incident with Tamar—happened because he departed from his brethren. Separation made him vulnerable, and compromise followed.

• Yet, how marvellous is the mercy of God! Despite Judah’s failures, Moses would later pronounce a blessing upon him: “Hear, Lord, the cry of Judah; bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause. Oh, be his help against his foes!” (Deuteronomy 33:7). In God’s hands, even the fallen can be restored, and the isolated can be brought back into fellowship and destiny.

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